The status of superb poppy, meconopsis superba in Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve, its natural habitat

Abstract

<p>The Jigme Khesar Strict Nature Reserve (JKSNR) in Bhutan, which is the country's only "Strict Nature Reserve" category of protected area, is home to the endangered Meconopsis superba, also known as Papaver superbum, a beautiful Superb Poppy that is endemic to Haa district and therefore of great importance. In this study in the Reserve, M. superba was found to occur between elevations of 3903masl to 4366masl, primarily in wet rocky outcrops and moist stream beds in 32 out of 33 surveyed plots, 10 x 10 m. Preliminary threat research revealed grazing by locals in most of the plots (80%), while fire (30%) and trampling (50%) were also recorded. However, there were no attempts to harvest the species by locals, contrary to expectations. The mean height of full-grown M. superba individuals was approximately 123.15cm, with most individuals (97.7%) being healthy and in the flowering stage (51.5%). Profuse regeneration was found on east and southeast facing slopes (100° to 250° aspect). We identified 77 species of shrubs and 55 species of herbs. Rhododendron species were the most frequently observed, while in the herbaceous layer, Potentilla species were the most commonly counted. While there were no immediate threats to M. superba or its shrub and herb associates, anthropocentric activities were visibly present in the study area. The study recommends ongoing protection efforts in the Reserve, with a special focus on fire incidence as regenerations were reduced in fire burnt areas across the survey plots. Regular monitoring and habitat assessment are suggested as important conservation measures to ensure the perpetuity of this species.</p>